My husband taught bible study to middle schoolers for many years. The class met early in the morning before school, and, well, they were middle schoolers, so sometimes it was hard to know how closely the kids were listening. Years later, he ran into one of his former students who said, "I still remember you telling us the meaning of Godly wisdom, ‘knowing the right thing to do - and DOING it.’" It was encouraging to know this young man was listening.  

That student's memory may have stemmed from studying the book of James. As he writes to the 12 scattered tribes, James gives four truths about God and His promise to provide wisdom when encountering trials (James 1:1-5) — four characteristics inherent in His nature and available to all believers. He is giving, generous, gracious, and granting. If we ask for wisdom, He will grant it. It is dependent upon us to do it.  

The truth in James' first-century instruction has timeless relevance. In verse 6, he writes, "But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind." Doubt is a temptation familiar to all believers at some point in our lives, then and now. 

When you face trials, wherever you live and serve, remember James' brief but invaluable guidance. Put your faith in God's giving, generous, gracious, and granting character. Trust His promise to provide wisdom. You need only ask. 

"Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them." - Elisabeth Elliot